Why You Need a Permit?
If you’re planning a trek in Karnataka, whether it’s Nethravathi, Kudremukh, Kumara Parvatha, Kodachadri, Tadiandamol, or any other forest trail, you must obtain an official trekking permit from the Karnataka Forest Department.
These permits:
- Regulate the number of trekkers allowed each day (to protect fragile ecosystems).
- Ensure your entry is legal and safe.
- Help support conservation efforts.
Without a permit, entry to most treks is strictly prohibited, and penalties may apply.
Where to Book Your Trek Permits
All Karnataka forest trek permits are issued online through the official portal:
👉 Aranya Vihara Website
The site is available in both English and Kannada. First-time users must create a login ID.
Step-by-Step Process to Get Your Trek Permit
1. Create/Login to Your Account
- Visit Aranya Vihara.
- Click Login. First-time trekkers can register using their mobile number and email.
2. Know the Booking Rules
- Book at least 1 day in advance.
- Permits can be booked up to 15 days before the trek.
- Seasonal openings: Most treks are open from September to February.
- Daily quotas: Usually between 100–300 trekkers/day.
- One login can book for up to 10 trekkers.
- Minimum age restrictions apply (varies by trek).
3. Keep Trekker Details Ready
For each participant, you’ll need:
- Full Name
- Age & Gender
- Mobile Number
- Government ID type (Voter ID / Aadhaar / PAN / Passport / Driving License / Ration Card)
- ID Number
4. Search Trek Availability
- Go to “Search Trek Availability”.
- Select the district your trek falls under (see district-wise list below).
- Choose trek name + preferred date.
- Click Check Availability.
5. Book Your Slot
- Select available time slot (usually morning, 6 AM – 10 AM).
- Enter trekker details.
- Accept terms & conditions.
- Pay via UPI, Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card.
6. Download Your Permit
- Visit My Bookings → Upcoming Treks.
- Download/print the permit.
- Carry a hard/soft copy + original ID to the trek.
Cancellation & Refund Policy (Aranya Vihara)
- Cancel 7+ days before trek → 100% refund (taxes excluded).
- Cancel 7–3 days before trek → 50% refund.
- Cancel within 2 days → ❌ No refund.
- Refunds processed within 7 working days.
- Check refund status here: Refund Status Page
Statutory Instructions (Must Follow)
- Follow all forest and wildlife rules.
- Abide by instructions from forest officers and guides.
- Karnataka Forest Department may cancel/modify treks for safety or conservation reasons.
- Plastic is strictly banned — carry reusable bottles and eco-friendly packaging.
District-Wise Trek List (Quick Reference)
(We’ll refine this with a clean Travel Elneeru table/accordion for readability)
- Chikmagalur → Kudremukh, Nethravathi, Kurinjal, Narasimhaparvatha, Bandaje, Ettina Bhuja, etc.
- Kodagu → Tadiandamol, Brahmagiri, Nishanimotte, Subramanya–KP routes.
- Shivamogga → Kodachadri (via Hidlumane/Valur), Narasimhaparvatha (via Malanduru).
- Tumakuru → Siddarabetta, Devarayanadurga, Chinnaga Betta.
- Bengaluru Rural / Ramanagara / Chikkaballapur → Skandagiri, Savandurga, Makalidurga, etc.
👉 Full official list available on Aranya Vihara website.
Travel Elneeru Tips for Smooth Permit Booking
- Book early (2 weeks ahead) during weekends/holidays.
- Carry both digital & printed permits. Network is weak at most trek bases.
- Cross-check trek start/end points with recent updates (sometimes routes change).
- For treks like Nethravathi & Kudremukh, reach the forest checkpost 30–45 mins early.
FAQs
Q. Can I transfer my permit to another person?
No, permits are non-transferable.
Q. Do I need a guide?
Some treks require a guide (example: Kudremukh). Check with locals or the forest office.
Q. What happens if I trek without a permit?
You may be denied entry or fined under Karnataka Forest Rules.
Final Thoughts
The new Aranya Vihara permit system has made Karnataka trekking much more transparent and sustainable. Instead of last-minute confusion at forest gates, trekkers can now plan their adventure smoothly.
At Travel Elneeru, we organize guided treks to Nethravathi, Kudremukh, and other Karnataka gems. If you’d rather skip the hassle of booking permits yourself, we’ll take care of everything.
📲 Chat with us on WhatsApp for quick bookings and queries.
👉 Explore all our upcoming treks here: Travel Elneeru Treks
